When Grey's Anatomy first started in 2005, the ABC medical drama took television fans by storm and became one of the most popular shows around. It still holds that success today, going into season 22 this fall. But there was just something extra special and magical about those first seasons that started it all. One of the OG cast members that's a true favorite, Sandra Oh, is one character fans constantly ask to see again.
The actress decided to leave the show after the Grey's Anatomy season 10 finale in 2014. Since then, viewers have been wondering and hoping that the actress would return to the series. At least for an episode. The medical drama does feature the character from time to time through phone calls and texts, but Oh has never physically come back to reprise her role as the brilliant Dr. Cristina Yang since her departure. And it doesn't sound like she's thinking about doing so any time soon.
Speaking with Lulu Garcia-Navarro for The New Times' podcast Interview, the topic of the beloved ABC series came up. She spoke about the fans' love for her character and whether she would return. Here's what she said, per People:
“What I have noticed, this is 10 years out from leaving the show, is the deep appreciation that I have for the people who appreciate Cristina. It is that love that has made me go, ‘Oh. The fans really, really, really want it,’ and for the first time, that’s when I started opening up the idea. For me, I think to really be true to the people who enjoy your work, you have to be true to yourself. So at this point, I don’t think so.”
Oh is very much aware of the fans' love and it sounds like right now the answer to her coming back to Grey's Anatomy, even if it was for just one episode or a cameo, is a no at the moment. But the actress did say "at this point." You never know. Perhaps she'll change her mind down the line. I know it's been 11 years since we've seen her on the series, but never give up hope.
I also wonder whether whenever Grey's Anatomy does come to an end and the final season and episode are on the horizon if perhaps that will be a point in time where Oh would be willing to come back. I think that would make for a nice sendoff to the show and even the character. While other OG cast members like Katherine Heigl and Justin Chambers have left, it truly is Oh's Cristina who seems to be missed the most by fans. We'll see if this ever ends up happening. For now, all we can do is go back and watch Oh's amazing moments that we do have over and over!
Grey's Anatomy season 22 premieres in fall 2025 on ABC.
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